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It's a custody case with tragic dimensions: A judge has ruled that a Los Angeles man must bring his 4-year-old triplets to visit their mother, who is so severely disabled she may not even realize it. Daniel Dorn has to bring the children to see ex-wife Abbie for an annual five-day visit in South Carolina, where she is being cared for by her parents, reports the Los Angeles Times. The ruling will stand until a permanent decision is made after a trial.

The judge wrote that even though there's "no compelling evidence" the visits will benefit Abbie, nor is there "compelling evidence" they will harm the kids. After Abbie gave birth to the triplets in 2006, medical errors left her brain deprived of oxygen. She can no longer walk, talk, or eat, and can communicate only by blinking. She is in what the newspaper calls a "minimally conscious state." Daniel divorced her a year after the birth of the triplets, believing she would never recover. He accuses her parents of giving the kids false hope about her prospects, notes AP. They're suing for even more frequent visits. (Read more visitation stories.)

That is the right decision. If she is able to communicate by blinking, there is a level of awareness there, and she deserves to see her own children. They deserve to see HER.

cascadoux

Mar 26, 2011 6:47 AM CDT

Hurray for the ruling! But, this is not the best. She gave birth to those children, and that has cost her her ability to have basic function of her body. Visitation for life! To hell with the damage it might cause her children. It is a small price to pay for someone who has given them so much. So, what does the father wants? She must be cast aside as if she no longer matters? Nice value to teach them. This mother may have lost abilities, but she can feel, and it would be unpardonable to have her live without contact with her children. Damn, that we need a court to tell us what the basics of human decency.

bathory313

Mar 26, 2011 4:44 AM CDT

She should be able to see her kids, and they her. Sounds like "daddy" doesn't want to face his conscience over his decisions. He doesn't want to be bothered with her now that she's not useful to him--I'm sure there is a substitute mommy in his bed. "Oh, this is not what I signed up for. It doesn't cook, clean, care for children, or screw--therefore I don't want it anymore. Next applicant, please!"